Apprentice Countryside Worker

Do you enjoy working with people and the public?

Are you passionate about the environment and green spaces?

If so then read on

Islington Council offers a wide range of high-quality apprenticeships. Our apprenticeships combine working in a great job, with training, development, and a competitive salary. You will be given dedicated time in your working week to focus on your studies.

You will also have access to a network of colleagues from within the organisation and tutors to support your learning.

The Countryside Workerapprenticeship consists of a 24-month opportunity to learn and support the Area Parks or Nature Conservation team.

We are responsible for working with colleagues and the community to make sure the parks and nature reserves are clean, safe and enjoyed by everyone.

Your duties will include working in several different green spaces, carrying out basic gardening and nature conservation works, supporting community events in parks, inspecting parks to ensure they are safe for visitors and carrying out simple repairs such as fixing temporary fencing.

You will gain an understanding of the work of the team and will work in a supported learning environment whilst working towards a nationally recognised Level 2 Countryside Worker apprenticeship.

• Be aged 16 or above and
• Be an Islington resident or
• Islington care leaver or
• Islington school leaver in the last 12 months or
• Be connected to Islington through completion of studies in the last 2 years (at any level) at an Islington based educational institution

You will also need to satisfy the following course entry requirements:

• Pass the course entry tests for example in Maths and English

Closing Date:
Sunday 2nd July 2023 at 23:59

Interview Day:
Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th July 2023

Apprenticeship Start Date:
October 2023

The Job -Working as a Countryside Worker Apprentice for the Council you will:

• Carry out basic gardening and nature conservation works across the borough
• Help to run community events in parks
• Help to inspect parks to ensure they are safe for visitors and carry out simple repairs
• Support and liaise with community groups
• Respond to public enquiries
• Develop strong professional relationships with your own team and others

Training and Development -As part of your role you will:

• Complete a Level 2 Countryside Worker Apprenticeship qualification
• Study Maths and English if you have not already achieved a GCSE or Level 2 equivalent
• Participate in a 2week block study residential workshop, outside of London
• Participate in the Councils apprenticeship network and various development activities
• Have access to a buddy/mentor

If you would like to find out more, join our information session on Thursday 8 June 2023 at 2.30pm. Application guidance, hints and tips will be provided. Please register your details on by clickingthis link.

Working in Islington Council

We appreciate and value our employees and recognise the importance of a motivated and supported workforce.

We offer excellent benefits such as:

• Up to 31 days leave per year (increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service)
• 35hour working week
• A range of flexible working arrangements
• Excellent pension scheme
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff including apprentices a minimum of the London Living Wage
• Annual season ticket loan
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
• Payroll giving
• Personal computer incentive scheme
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more

After you have successfully completed your apprenticeship, you will have gained valuable workplace experience and attained your Level 2 qualification.

This will improve your chances of finding work within the Council, with other employers or help you move on to a higher-level apprenticeship.

• Undertake a development programme leading to a Level 2 Countryside Worker apprenticeship qualification
• Use the dedicated time given to complete studies and coursework
• Actively participate in your own development. This includes carrying out duties of your role and completing coursework within agreed deadlines

4.

With supervision to develop skills and experience in:

• Constructing and maintaining park areasincluding fencing, hedges and path surfaces
• Managing habitats and vegetation using appropriate tools and equipment to preserve nature areas
• Communicating effectivelythrough facetoface interaction, electronic communication or telephone to run events/activities and work with community groups
• Using hand tools and powered toolssafely such as hammers, saws, drills, strimmers and chainsaws
• Problem solving, finding solutions and knowing when to ask a supervisor for advice
• Undertaking surveys for example, survey habitats and species, numbers of visitors, the condition of public pathways or structures/furniture
• To provide support to colleagues and external

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